A COUPLE who met on a South Durham dancefloor have celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary.

John and Mary Moran first came across each other as teenagers in 1952 when youngsters would flock on a Friday night to Spennymoor for the 10pm to 2am dance at The Rink – a ballroom frequented by bands including the likes of the Joe Loss Orchestra.

The pair's passion for music has never ceased and 65 years later they continue to seek out performances.

Mr Moran, 83, originally from Croxdale, and Mrs Moran, 84, originally from Coxhoe, married five years later, on July 27, 1957, at St Joseph's RC Church, in West Cornforth, following two years in national service for the bricklayer.

They moved to Trimdon Grange, near to Winterton Hospital, where Mrs Moran worked as a nurse and Mr Moran as a bricklayer.

The married couple then moved to Newton Aycliffe where they had three children, Colin, 59, Michael, 55, and Amanda, 48.

During their time in the town, the great grandparents-of-two have served as Mayor and Mayoress.

A former councillor for Durham County Council, Sedgefield Borough Council and Great Aycliffe Town Council, Mr Moran has also served as Mayor of Sedgefield Borough and retired from political life about ten years ago.

Speaking of the key to a long marriage, keen gardener Mrs Moran said: "You've got to give and take."

To mark their 60th anniversary yesterday, the travel enthusiasts are currently enjoying a cruise around the Mediterranean.